An immensely talented and all-around nice guy, Stefano Giovannini, braved the cold and took some wonderful photos of our city’s Bravest fighting what is apparently now a seven alarm fire. Do take a moment to peruse his Flickr set here. They are not only lovely (if one can call such subject matter that) but are an excellent testement to the hard work and dedication of our firefighters.

UPDATE: Someone was thoughtful enough to point out this looks like something from Escape From New York:

Great catch, John! The funny thing is this vehicle has New York state plates. However, I have spied and shot graffiti featuring Snake Plissken along the north Brooklyn waterfront. This one hails from Greenpoint.

Today I had a craving for Mexican food. Well, not “Mexican” food per se. I craved crap. To this end I patronized the Taco Bell located on the Champs-Élysées of the Garden Spot: McGuinness Boulevard. Upon exiting with my bag of unhealthy goodness I noticed two perfectly placed pairs of coordinating footwear atop the garbage can. How they got there is anyone’s guess. I simply found how they coordinated with the building compelling and strangely beautiful.

After snapping this shot I opted to enjoy my burrito al fresco. I took a stroll along Provost Street. There outside the premises of the Newtown Creek Waste Water Treatment Facility— in the shadow of the Shit Tits— I happened upon another urban artifact. It too was compelling but most decidedly notbeautiful.

It is rare, gentle readers, that I happen upon something that makes me lose my appetite. After closer examination of the item in question (and shooting burrito bits out of my nose) this is exactly what happened. The burrito was placed back in the bag and out came the camera.

I suppose I should take the glass half-full approach:

1. The parties responsible for the piece of love’s detritus which awaited my delectation engaged in safe sex.2. Greenpoint— especially its more remote/secluded nooks and crannies— is and has long been for lovers.

WARNING/CAVEAT: once this is seen, it cannot be unseen. Click at your own risk.

The sale of 533 Leonard Street, the former meeting hall for Polish Legion of American Veterans is hardly news. Nor is the fact that it will be “adapted” to residential use as opposed to simply being razed. A rather nifty site called Brooklyn Relics has a pretty nice summary of these passing events which can be read by clicking here. The author of this tome opines:

The adaptive reuse of historic buildings is often necessary for the buildings to maintain market viability. However, in the case of the PLAV building, the proposed design dominates the historic structure it traverses even though the original facade is supposed to be the intended focal point. Hopefully the finished modern portion of the structure will be muted enough that it does not compete with the original building’s architecture…

I cannot tell a lie: I was initially relieved by the news this building would be modified as opposed to merely being demolished. Then it was brought to my attention by a very nice lady named Amber that a rendering has been posted on the premises of the finished product. I did a walk-by to see it myself— after all, seeing is truly believing. All I can say is the author of Brooklyn Relics was being quite charitable in his analysis.

Here’s the deal folks:

In terms of Greenpoint construction— any construction— I keep my expectations low. Really low. Methinks I need not elaborate why this is so. Let’s just say there’s ample “precedent”.

This exceeds even my expectations— and not in a good way. So help me, but this may very well make me rethink adaptation (versus demolition) as a good— or at least “better”— policy. Aside from exploiting the benefits a modification permit versus a new building affords (modification permits are not subject to the same level of scrutiny) and exploiting every cubic centimeter of FAR, I see absolutely no rhyme or reason to this “design”.

screenshot from googlenews. the pr and the reality of greenpoint! (these paths seem to be crossing a lot these days). and cheers to the tough guy owner of milk and roses…

You can read about what happened at Milk and Roses (and Acapulco Deli as well it would appear) here. Here’s an excerpt/teaser:

…Davis has been charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office. He was released without bail and ordered to stay away from the cafe. (Emphasis mine — Ed. Note) His attorney did not respond to request for comment.

Wow. Just wow.

Update, September 5th: I have taken this up with Assemblyman Lentol’s office and they are working to find out exactly what happened and why the District Attorney’s office is handling this case the way they are. To be continued…?

As forwarded by an anonymous tipster. Is it just me or is “blasting” a mass email about a “good arrest” kind of confirming the recent trend of (and this is being kind) “bad arrests” we have learned about lately? So let me get this straight.

Suspected of selling loose cigarettes while being a black male? That merited a chokehold.

Skip a subway fare while being a black male? That’s a serious asskicking.

But being a colossal dumbass (of unspecified race it would seem*) wandering around the tower of the Brooklyn Bridge taking photos with your iPhone? Well, that seems to merit a “good” arrest.